The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #68546

William Northey, PhD, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, 112 South Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, 703-253-0483, bnorthey@aamft.org

This report presents data from a survey of a randomly selected sample of 644 marriage and family therapists (MFTs) who were Clinical Members of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. A split methodology was utilized whereby the group was randomly divided into three sampling sub-groups, one of which was given a telephone survey, one a mail survey, and one a web survey. The questionnaires for the three methodologies were kept as identical as possible. The study, designed to better understand the current state of the field of MFT, provides descriptive data on the demographic characteristics, training, clinical practices, use of evidence-based models, and treatment of substance abuse disorders by MFTs. Participants reported they provide individual therapy most often, followed by conjoint couple therapy, family therapy, and group therapy with significant difference between MFTs in different practice settings. It was also found that MFTs commonly assess for substance abuse problems, but these problems represent a relatively small percentage of their caseload. The number of participants reporting use of evidence-based treatments dropped significantly from previous surveys of the same population. There were few differences regarding the responses to specific questions based on survey methodology; however, significantly different response rates were obtained for the three groups, with the web survey group having the poorest response rate. A discussion of the relative costs of each methodology, the ways to improve the overall response rates, and methodological issues around assessing evidenced-based practice will be included.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: (
• Identify the costs and benefits of using three different methods – phone, mail and the web – to survey marriage and family therapists. (
• Discuss the extent to which marriage and family therapists encounter, assess and treat clients with substance use disorders. (
• Describe the treatment practices most frequently used by marriage and family therapists.

Keywords: Mental Health, Substance Abuse

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employee of AAMFT